Monday, 11 January 2010

A NEW SCHOOL TERM AT MORGAN TOWERS

So, it's the start of a new term. Year Two of this blog begins today and we have serious stuff to do, especially after that riotous blog party which I have not yet recovered from.

But do you remember new terms and new school years? We never really got any work done that first day, did we? All too busy exchanging stories of the holidays and showing off our new pencil cases.

Today is no exception. I didn't plan to start haranguing you till tomorrow anyway but today I felt a bit jealous of all those people putting pictures of snow scenes on their blogs so I thought I'd do the same, even though there's no relevance to writing. No learning points at all. No application to your WIPs. To be honest, I could probably think of one - I usually do - but my head's hurting from all that partying.

I'm assuming that all of you, whatever part of the world you're in, have heard that the UK is a bit snowy at the moment? I saw a pavement today for the first time in weeks. Poor old Jane Smith is still living off mice as she hasn't been able to get out of her hovel for ages to get to the shops. [Somehow she has made an exception for Starbucks, but she is a marvel that way.]

Anyway, here are my snowy contributions:

Not a road, a canal:




My dog in some confusion about this thing called "canal, not road":



Giant shadows in the snow:


The setting sun on snowy Torduff reservoir:



And finally, because you have to admit she's very sweet:


Right, that's it: tomorrow, we work. I have no idea which of your many good ideas I'm going to choose as a topic. You'll just have to come and see - but probably not too early in the morning.

29 comments:

Mary Hoffman said...

Lovely, Nicola! Your dog is a sweetie. I shall be a swot as from tomorrow.

Marisa Birns said...

No snow here anymore so enjoyed seeing your beautiful pics.

And your dog.

Is that you in the giant shadow one? Goodness, you're tall :)

My pencils are sharpened and I have a nice new notebook for the first day of school.

Catt said...

Oooh very prettiful. I really hate snow then someone posts photos which make me love it then I hate then love and...*shuts up*

Catherine Hughes said...

Whadday mean - no work on the first day of term?

I have been slaving away over the new blog; my first review is up now and I am starting to build a list of tags (not strictly genres but just identifiers).

It's hard work and now I find that the rest of you are all skiving off?

Grrrr!

Cat

Arlee Bird said...

Enough of our ridiculous almost perfect Southern California weather, I want to experience for a day or two, but that would be enough.

Please I implore you and your readers to check out a post I've done for today to get your opinion and if you haven't ever covered this topic before you may wish to explore it further. I want to hear from some writers about this.

http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/2010/01/blog-boggled-stephens-big-bad-burning.html

Thanks to all who can give their expert advice and opinions.
Lee

Clair said...

Love the pics, Nicola, and so glad to have found your blog. Been given a 'snow day' off work today and spent it seeking out new blogs, including yours which looks fab. Will be visiting regularly from now on!

Whirlochre said...

I'm annoyed beyond compare.

I snook out into the snow this morning eager to take umpteen snaps of the spectacular wintriness only to find my phone sucked of all charge. So — no photos.

Forgetting to wear any clothes was just stupid.

Ellen Brickley said...

Thanks for the snowy pictures - I'm a big fan of posts that involve dogs :D

And I may use your post as an excuse to post more snowy Dublin pictures over on my blog.

Happy new term!

Megs - Scattered Bits said...

Well, I figure after joining in the birthday party, I'm not allowed to lurk anymore. :grins and shakes head: Thanks for the blog, for the party, for the pictures. Blessings on your recovery. I still have to recover and I joined in so late that only a handful of people even saw me. And I STILL have tons more to visit from that list. I've bookmarked to go back to and finish up.

Michelle said...

You can never go wrong with cute dog pictures.

Anonymous said...

Nicola, I'm repeating my offer to you, Jane, and Sally - you're all coming to sunny, brighty, shiny California, where the air is warm and the beagle's margaritas are cold.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Surprised to see you up and at it! After that amazing party yesterday. Thanks for doing that. I found a lot of wonderful new blogs to follow and hope to continue exploring the blogs of your followers. (Sorry about the snow)

fairyhedgehog said...

They're lovely pictures and your dog is gorgeous.

Thank you for the riotous party yesterday. I got to know loads of wonderful people and visit masses of interesting blogs.

I'm glad we all get to take a day off today.

iffath said...

Fab snow pictures!
Hah- good job I'm already a swot :D

Debra Harris-Johnson said...

It has been in the 20's and teens here in Texas but no snow! You inspire me. And thanks for giving us the opportunity to share our blogs and learn of new ones. I invite all of you to come by and visit me. Loved your pics. Brrrrr!

Administrator said...

Well, i hope it's going to be as much fun as attending Malory Towers - ie lashings of lemonade and midnight feasts:)

Anonymous said...

Your blog party was SO useful I'd say you've earned a day off today! Thanks for hosting such a useful event.

Old Kitty said...

Now I want a digital camera!

:-)

I must learn to love gadgets...

Lovely pics and your dog's GORGEOUS!

X

Katherine Langrish said...

Sweet dog. Isn't it great how much dogs enjoy snow? Unlike our cats, who are beating each other up with cabin fever.

Rebecca Knight said...

Awwwwww :). What a lovely dog!

Also, I'm very jealous of all the snow you folk have... well, except for the living off mice part. Poor Jane.

Flixton Mum said...

I think you should make a new year's resolution that you go easy on Jane Smith for the year...after all she didn't tell on you going barefoot.

catdownunder said...

Oh, a dog? Miaou! Is it safe? Your dog looks nice but you can never tell with dogs.
Thanks for the shower of rain which arrived a moment ago. It has turned outside into a sauna and the visiting koala is looking confused but it should help to put the bushfires out. I have my keyboard free of cat hairs and ready for work. (Actually I have not stopped working...sigh.)

Jemi Fraser said...

Love the sunset pic :)

Sarah said...

Our two feet of snow here in VA is almost gone, so it was lovely to see a snowy landscape in your pictures. Your lab only improved the pictures.

I'm not familiar with UK weather. Is snow very common?

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

My dad had about six inches of snow last week. He lives near Newcastle. At 66, he still got in a 5 mile run in the snow...

David John Griffin said...

Two four pinters in flowerpots outside the back door. That's where the milk went!

Lovely dog! (Intelligent too, knowing the canal's "trick").

Snow, here in my part of Kent (UK), has started to melt.

:=)

Jo Treggiari said...

We have the snow and the bitter cold in NY. You have to admit it makes things very pretty.
And serves as an excuse to stay inside with warmth and a book. and waste time looking out the window.
Your dog is very sweet. I have a black lab- male and silly. They are the best, aren't they?

kanishk said...

I have a nice new notebook for the first day of school.

Work from home India

Elizabeth West said...

That is a very sweet dog. :)

We just dug out from a white Christmas here (middle US). Then more snow on top of that. I didn't mind the snow, but sub-freezing highs were not appreciated!